View full sizeMark Bugnaski | Kalamazoo GazetteThe $54 million expansion of the W.K. Kellogg Institute for Food and Nutrition Research was dedicated Tuesday.BATTLE CREEK — The Kellogg Co. spent $54 million to expand its W.K. Kellogg Institute for Food and Nutrition Research facility, a 157,000-square-foot pilot plant and office space expansion that was dedicated in a ceremony on Tuesday.

The development signifies the company’s continuing dedication to innovation, to growth and to building powerhouse brands, company officials said.

Leaders in the Cereal City said Kellogg is doing its part to strengthen the economy with the investment and expressed optimism that its impact will reach far beyond the city that’s now known not only for its cereal, but for a rapidly expanding line of snacks and convenience foods.

“Kellogg has invested a lot of money and resources in the community,” said Battle Creek City Manager Ken Tsuchiyama.

“This expansion is even more commitment, and it is very positive news in an economy that is struggling. It is nothing but good for Battle Creek and the region. It will take investments like this to help make our economy healthier.”

Tsuchiyama was among several dozen area business people, civic leaders and company employees to participate in a dedication ceremony for the operation Tuesday morning.

Jim Hettinger, senior adviser to economic development organization Battle Creek Unlimited, said that adding muscle to the city’s already solid reputation in food-science research will help Western Michigan grow stronger and may result in positive, profitable alliances between four cities that are known for entirely different but distinct types of research.

“Kalamazoo is known for pharmaceutical research and Grand Rapids for its medical-science research,” Hettinger said. “In Holland, it’s materials science. Those are all very different, but many people who come to work in those fields don’t come alone. They bring spouses who need jobs and might work in another of these areas.”

There is a need to put the spouses of newcomers to work, and alliances between the communities could help streamline efforts to attract talented professionals to Western Michigan, he said.

He praised Kellogg for broadening its epicenter for global product development, research and innovation from around 80,000 square feet to 400,000 square feet that includes innovation labs, research facilities, a flexible experimental production area and an improved pilot plant.